Apple won’t be bringing iOS 13 to the iPad — at least not with that name. Instead, its tablet will soon be powered by “iPadOS,” its very own version of Apple’s mobile operating system.
We’re about to get our first very look at it at WWDC.
Update: Apple just unveiled iPadOS, and it offers the features Apple’s tablet fans have been hoping for.
If you’re a long-time Apple fan, you’ll know iOS was originally called the iPhone OS. Then the iPad came along in 2010 and Apple changed its name to something a little more generic that would work for both devices.
Nine years on, things are changing again. The iPad’s version of iOS is getting its very own name — and it probably means big things.
Welcome iPadOS
Several mentions of the “iPadOS” name have popped up ahead of WWDC today. They’re listed alongside iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS, all but confirming a brand new version of software just for iPad.
Photo: Steve Troughton-Smith
This is huge for iPad users because it signals a new direction for iOS on iPad — one that’s a lot more than the iPhone’s version of iOS blown up for a bigger screen with some extra features thrown in.
It suggests there will be significant changes and improvements just for the iPad lineup. We’ve previously heard rumors surrounding new features that will make Apple’s tablet a better laptop replacement than ever before.
What’s in store for iPad?
Those features are said to include new ways to multitask, and better support for external displays. Some reports have also suggested massive improvements to the Files app, and we may finally get the option to control the iPad with a mouse.
It’s not yet clear if iPadOS will be exclusive to the iPad Pro, or if it will serve the entire iPad lineup, which would make more sense. But we’ll find out what Apple’s plans are in just under 20 minutes when it kicks off its big WWDC keynote at 10 a.m. PT.
